The Nation Newspaper

Category: Arts & Life

  • Africa Art Fund, NESG to boost Nigeria’s creative economy

    Africa Art Fund, NESG to boost Nigeria’s creative economy

    The Africa Art Fund and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) are collaborating to create a new opportunity for young Nigerian artists under the age of 35. To commemorate NESG’s three decades of operation, the partners have launched a national art competition exclusively for developing talent in this age group.

    The competition, which has a September 14 deadline for entries, is significant because it provides young artists with a rare opportunity to get financial support and recognition. Additionally, this programme has the potential to significantly contribute to the development of Nigeria’s next generation of artists by utilising the nation’s growing international prominence for its vibrant art scene to boost the country’s creative economy.

    The organisers have announced that artists should submit their work via the Africa Art Fund or NESG websites by September 14. From a shortlist of 20, a panel of judges will choose the top three winners. Prizes of ₦3 million, ₦2 million, and ₦1 million will be given out at the NESG conference in Abuja this October.

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    The works of the finalists will be exhibited exclusively at the forthcoming summit, and the winners will receive rewards. A thorough two-month workshop and leadership development programme will also be available to participants, giving pupils the tools they need to thrive in the cutthroat world of the arts. This programme supports the objective of NESG, which is to encourage a private sector-driven economy in Nigeria. NESG works with the Africa Art Fund to harness the potential of art as an engine for economic progress. The president and CEO of Africa Art Fund, Ifesinachi Nwanyanwu, believes that this collaboration presents a special opportunity to emphasise the role that art plays in stimulating the economy.

    Nwanyanwu, a renowned environmental artist and curator, explains that the Africa Art Fund concept was methodically designed to complement this purpose and empower artists to contribute to Nigeria’s economic progress. Drawing on his personal experiences as a self-taught visual artist who struggled financially early in his career, Nwanyanwu, a crop production graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, realised the importance of support structures for artists and creatives to thrive. “I’ve always explored ways to support fellow creatives,” he discloses.

    Nwanyanwu’s personal artistic experiences have provided him with a thorough awareness of the difficulties that creatives confront while seeking assistance. Having suffered with financial restraints and limited resources early in his career, he is motivated to discover ways to inspire and empower other artists. Nwanyanwu has worked to build a supportive environment for artistic growth through his work at a gallery, which he co-curates alongside Uzodinma Iweala.

    However, it was his participation in the prestigious International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) in 2023 that solidified his concept for the Africa Art Fund. Recognised by the US State Department for his community service, he embarked on a three-week travel around the United States, which helped define his concept.

    Nwanyanwu’s participation in the International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) enhanced his understanding of the art and cultural ecosystem, emphasising the importance of philanthropy contributions in driving growth. This experience led him to start the Africa Art Fund, which aims to adopt effective models and create a comprehensive support structure for Africa’s creative community. He hopes to raise more than $100 million in funding for innovative art initiatives across Africa during the current fiscal year.

    In order to do this, he highlights the value of grassroots involvement and exhorts people to give to the cause. Nwanyanwu emphasises the importance of community ownership and participation for sustainability, pointing out that businesses and individuals in Africa and the diaspora are prepared to donate large sums of money because they understand the positive effects of art on community cohesiveness and economic development. Through advocacy, grantmaking, and leadership, the Africa Art Fund aims to close the gap in philanthropy and charity in the fields of art and culture, ultimately enabling communities to take charge of the discourse and effect good change.

    The purpose of the Africa Art Fund is to offer financial assistance to a wide range of artistic disciplines, such as literature, visual arts, performing arts, and more. The fund’s grant distribution procedure is rigorous and open, with a committed committee supervising the distribution of grants according to specified standards. In order to guarantee a fair and impartial selection process and allow the fund to promote creative and significant projects, each proposal is thoroughly reviewed. According to Nwanyanwu, there is a thriving new generation of artists in the area who are pushing limits and showing off their skills.

    However, the business suffers finance difficulties, a scarcity of dedicated venues, and insufficient government assistance. Despite these challenges, Nwanyanwu feels the scene has room for expansion with government and private sector participation. Recognising the power of art and creativity to drive economic development and social cohesion, the Africa Art Fund intends to address these challenges over the next five years through strategic leadership, grantmaking, and advocacy, with the ultimate goal of fostering a thriving and sustainable creative ecosystem.

  • NAL inducts Ayakoroma, others

    NAL inducts Ayakoroma, others

    The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), a foremost body in the arts and humanities in Nigeria has inducted the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Prof Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma among 25 scholars into the Academy. Prof Ayakoroma is an accomplished film scholar, playwright and theatre, cultural and broadcast administrator. 

    The induction was held during the 26th NAL convocation and investiture ceremony of new fellows and members as well as awards of excellence in humanistic practice, with the theme, Demagoguery and Democracy. The event, held recently at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos State, witnessed the bestowal of fellowships to 14 distinguished individuals. This occasion also included the presentation of awards recognising excellence in humanistic practice.

    The distinguished scholars honoured with the Regular Fellows and Awards of Excellence and Humanistic Practice are Prof. Asabe Kabir Usman, Prof. Florence Orabueze, Prof. Olukoya Ogen, Prof. Olatunji Oyeshile, Prof. Olusanjo Daramola, Prof. Emmanuel Emasealu, Prof. Cecilia Eme, Prof. Lendzemo Yuka, Prof. Abiodun Salawu, Prof. Anthony Afejuku, Prof. Hakeem Tijani, and Prof. Afis Oladosu. The Overseas Honorary Fellowships and Awards of Excellence in Humanistic Practice were conferred upon Prof. Abiodun Salawu, Prof. Emerita Omofolabo A. Ajayi-Soyinka, and Prof. Hakeem Ibikunle Tijani.

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    Prof Ayakoroma expressed delight at his induction as a member of the esteemed Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) and commended the Academy for its significant transformation and influence over the past few decades, acknowledging its substantial contributions to the development of the arts and humanity narratives in the Nigerian nation.

    President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Prof Sola Akinrinade, stated that high-level corruption is obstructing the nation’s growth and development, adding that the nation has had a chequered history with democratic practice. The Fourth Republic, he said, has witnessed 25 years of continuous experience with civilian governance. “However, it is difficult to assert that the nation has successfully built democratic resilience given the constant manifestation of anti-democratic practices and lack of respect for the rule of law by various administrations since 1999,’ he stated.

    He described democracy as fair representation, rule of law and accountability, contrasting this with demagoguery, a manipulative approach to politics based on emotions and prejudices, and adding that the academy has a vital role in critical sectors of the country’s national life.

    “Our interventions during the year have revolved around the theme of democratic development in the country and the role of the humanities in the process. A principal question we have asked ourselves is this: Has democracy, as practiced in this country during the past 25 years, benefited the lives of Nigerians,?”  he wondered.

    In the convocation lecture, titled “The Challenge of Nigerian Democracy: Problem of the System or Its Managers,” Prof Alkasum Abba, underscored the necessity for Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable, decrying the pervasive corruption within various sectors of the nation since 1999 and provided valuable insights to foster robust thoughts on the government’s capital and recurrent expenditure, budgetary allocations, infrastructure, and investments.

    Prof Abba expressed dismay at the way successive governments cover up for their predecessors, leading to a dead end: no fuel, no power, no jobs, no security and no food. He therefore enjoined Nigerians to focus on the failures of the elected officials running our governments.

    “We need to demand accountability from them and stop diverting our attention on this crucial issue. Those people have denied our country electricity, good roads, and a vibrant economy, which are the essential ingredients for economic development, by betraying our trust. They must be made to refund all monies stolen over the past 23 years.”

      The Academy also bestowed its highest honour, the Honorary Fellowship Award, on non-members who have made substantial national contributions to the advancement of the arts and humanities in the country.

    Founder Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation and President of the Nigerian Folklore Society, Dr. Bukar Usman and Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Dr. Wale Okediran were recipients of the Honorary Fellow awards, while the esteemed Nollywood filmmaker, Chief Zeb Ejiro, was honoured with the NAL Award of Excellence in Humanistic Practice.

  • Celebrating poetry as vibrant advocacy tool

    Celebrating poetry as vibrant advocacy tool

    Lagos arts community, especially poets and literati, rose to the occasion recently when the duo of Salome Agbaroji, the 7th U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate, and Deborah Johnson, Nigeria’s representative at 2023 African Cup of Slam Poetry were hosted to an evening of Poetic Conversations at the U.S. Consul General’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The all-white cozy venue provided ideal setting for guests that included diplomats, artistes, poets, journalists and art enthusiasts as the two amazons – Salome and Deborah – took turns to perform their poems, followed by other young poets such as Ruth Mahogany, Aremo Gemini, Marvel Iyare, Tobi Abiodun and Kamenelechukwu Susan.

    But Aremo Gemini took the less-fancied route by performing his poem, Odun in Yoruba language, which got a rousing applause from the audience. Odun is a critique of the unforeseen consequences of japa syndrome that has become an attraction among Nigerian youths seeking greener pastures outside the shores of the country, even at any cost or risk.

    The session, which lasted over two hours, was moderated by poet, lawyer and winner of Nigeria Prize for Literature 2013, Tade Ipadeola.

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    U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay stressed the importance of cultural exchanges like Agbaroji’s visit to Nigeria and their ability to bring Americans and Nigerians together to share ideas and expertise, promote mutual understanding and freedom of expression. “One of the most empowering opportunities we can offer young people is a platform where their voices can be heard Poetry is an inspiring platform for youth to express their creativity and sense of self,” McKay said.   

    For Salome Agbaroji who performed few of her poems such as Insomnia, the theme and focus of her poems are intentional and inevitable, because she writes about her identity from the perspective that she sees the world.

    She stated that in America, race is a huge defining factor of how one experiences the world. “So, I do take a lot of time to advocate for the black identity intentionally. But, it is also something that just comes naturally to me,” she added with a broad smile.

    Poetry, she said, as an art means a lot to her, ‘but it does mean also a lot to see that there’s a tribe, a community of people that do take interest in the things that I write in my bedroom while I should be doing my homework’

    According to her, poetry goes beyond scribbling some lines or reciting of words to everyday life experiences such as songs and fairy tales.  She noted that when poetry is properly defined and made more inclusive, many more people will be interested in it.

    “I flew from Enugu after poetry workshops to inspire young writers there. Earlier in the week, I did the same thing in Lagos. Michael Cirelli and I are doing the legal form project for poets between ages 16 to 25 and get a platform for their poetry that I have benefited from as well. This isn’t going to be my last time in Nigeria on poetry work. I intend to keep building.

    “I think people care about poetry. They just don’t realise that it is poetry. They don’t realise that their favorite song that they have that got them through that breakup was poetry. They don’t realise that breakup was poetry. They don’t realize that, the fairy tales that their parents would say to them when they were younger as sleeping tales are poetry. And I think when we get better at defining what poetry is, we have the more inclusive genres that more people can be interested in it,” she said.

    Agbaroji who described the conversation as a very blessed realization, recalled that she grew up in an immigrant Nigerian household in the U.S. where the desire to be lawyer, or engineer was uppermost among youths.  

    “I grew up in an immigrant Nigerian household. You either aspire to be a lawyer or an engineer. It was when I found out that when I put a lot of efforts into my poetry, and I shared it, that was when people started to take notice.

    It started from little free gigs that I would do in my little community, to getting flown from the West Coast to New York to perform at a huge gala,” she recalled. 

    Founder and Executive Director, National Youth Poet Laureate Programme, USA, Michael Cirelli has said he could not imagine any other form of diplomacy than poetry programme, which he said, is capable of changing the world. 

    “I cannot think of any other form of diplomacy than poetry. That is going to, like, help change our world and we need it desperately right now. So, it is a beautiful way to kind of build connections and show that we all are connected and we are all human,” he added.

    He noted that the programme is aimed at celebrating the most talented poets in the United States connecting them with large scale opportunities.

    “So as part of the programme, we honour hundreds of poets a year all across the United States, finding ways to connect many young poets in our programmes that have ancestral roots in different countries around the world,” Cirelli said.

  • Book review contest for Yishau’s new novel

    Book review contest for Yishau’s new novel

    A book review competition has been launched for After The End, a new novel by novelist and award-winning journalist, Olukorede S Yishau.

    This competition is organised by Tope-EniObanke Adegoke in partnership with Afapinen, a culture magazine.

    The organisers, in a statement, said: “In celebration of Olukorede S. Yishau’s recently published novel, After the End, from Masobe Books, reviewers are invited to submit a review of the novel. We are looking for critical reviews that will engage and expand the appreciation of the novel.

    There is no precise rule, or rules, for how you engage a work under review. But certain things make a good review stand out, and that is what we are looking for in your submitted entries. It is important to creatively situate your text under review, as well as engage it in actual literary discourse and appreciation following the book’s attempt at interpreting truths about life or the human condition.

    “We prize erudition and the celebration of language, above all. We will look out for these in submitted entries.”

    According to the organisers, entry regulations are: The prize is open to writers not more than 35 years old, from any part of the world.

    Entries should not be less than 1,800 words and not more than 3,000 words.

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    Entries must be submitted via this Google form.

    Deadline for submission is 10 September, 2024, 23:00 WAT.

    The winners, said the organisers, would be announced on Afapinen on 17 September, 2024

    The winners’ reviews will be published in Afapinen.

    The First prize is N150,000; second prize is N50,000 and third prize is N30,000.

    Yishau’s After the End is available via Roving Heights, Patabah Books, Ouida Books, Adams Pages, Terrakulture, The Book Market, Spine and Label, Bookville World, Bookpeddler, Jazzhole, Dainz Books, Fasaha Books, Just Read, Page Book, Chapters Books, Lumbooks, Bella Books, BBIP Bookstore, Book Nook, Boldoz Books, and Book O’clock.

  • Scholars, experts eulogise new book ‘Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management’

    Scholars, experts eulogise new book ‘Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management’

    The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Centre for Crisis Communication, and scholars commended a new book “Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management” at the unveiling during the 2nd Economic Confidential Public Lecture in Abuja this week.

    The 12 chapters offer guidance on effective public relations practices, covering various topics, including stakeholder engagement, media relations, event management, social media engagement, crisis communication, lobbying, corporate social responsibility, and reputation management.

    The publication, by Kabir Abdulsalam and Maryam Na’Allah (of PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest), has a blurb by Vice President Kashim Shettima who said: “This book demonstrates how effective PR strategies can drive positive change and bolster reputation as exemplified by Nigeria Customs Service CG Bashir Adewale.”

    NIPR President, DR. Ike Neliaku praised the book’s clarity and use of real-world examples, making it an essential resource for PR professionals, customs officials, communication students, researchers, and others interested in understanding the role of public relations in leadership and management.

    The Chairman of CCC, Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd) hailed the innovative leadership of CG Adeniyi, a Fellow of the NIPR, who has leveraged public relations tools to elevate the customs service and inspire budding communicators and leaders on the importance of strategic communication.

    “This is a comprehensive guide to effective communication strategies, with practical case studies from a respected institution. It will surely equip readers with valuable tools for effective public relations practice,” the retired General Olukolade added.

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    Reviewed by Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, the book highlights Adeniyi’s achievements in leveraging public relations to elevate the Customs Service. In his remarks, Ikechukwu recommends it to faculties of mass communication, business, public administration, human capital development and leadership institutions.

    Okechukwu, represented by Managing Editor (North), The Nation, Yusuf Alli, said: “Mr. Adeniyi is a testament to the ‘God Factor’. He has dedicated his life to refining and reshaping the Customs Service, This book is an engaging account of how public relations and customs management intersect, offering valuable lessons.”

    Dr Sule Yau Sule, senior lecturer of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano, described the publication as proof to the Comptroller General Adeniyi’s impactful legacy and serves as an inspiration for future leaders in using public relations to drive transformative changes.”

    Yushau Shuaib, CEO of Image Merchants Promotion Ltd, PRNigeria/Spokespersons Digest publishers, said: “The book is a complete guide to successful PR strategies. The authors explored key elements, including media relations, crisis communication, and social media engagement, using practical case studies from the CG.”

  • Interrogating the nexus between education, politics

    Interrogating the nexus between education, politics

    Title: Navigating the politics of Universal Education policies in Nigeria

    Author: Modupe Adeola Adelabu

    Reviewer: Ozolua Uhakheme

    Publisher: BookCraft

    Pagination: 198

    Globally, education remains a top priority of most nations in pursuit of meaningful development. The need for lifelong learning has never been more critical, through skilling, reskilling and up skilling than now. The reality is that, times are changing and it is imperative for nations to keep pace with changing times.

    Little wonder the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini told the G7 Ministers meeting on education that investing in education is what the world need the most now.

    At the G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Education, which took place in Trieste, Italy between 27 and 29 June this year, Giannini said: “In this moment of dramatic change, investing in education is what we need the most. It empowers us to better understand the world and to actively participate in democracy, the economy, peace-building efforts, and climate action.” At the meeting, UNESCO emphasized the importance of inclusion and investing in teachers for transforming learning and unlocking everyone’s potential. In addition, UNESCO highlighted the need to enhance early childhood education and care, which is one of the most beneficial investments a country can make to promote holistic development, gender equality and social cohesion. Failing to invest in every learner’s education has dire consequences not only for individuals, but for societies and economies as a whole. According to a new UNESCO report, out-of-school children and educational gaps cost the global economy US$10 trillion a year…

    “We need global citizens equipped with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to tackle interconnected challenges, including inclusive and equitable digital and green transitions.”

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    How has Nigeria fared in the race to educate its citizens in line with the evolving needs in the global market? How has the politics of federal, the federating units-regional and state governments affected education policies over the years? These and many other questions are addressed in the 198-page book, Navigating the politics of Universal Education policies in Nigeria by Prof. Modupe Adeola Adelabu, the former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board. The nine-chapter book is a well-researched work on the relationship between resources, professional, stakeholders and other players, which captures the evolution, development, practices and success of the Nigerian education system.

    As background, the author dedicates the first two chapters to the basic concepts of education and politics as conceived and executed by different administrations including global agency like UNESCO. She buttresses her submission on fundamental and relevance nature of education by citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 26 of 1948, which states that everyone has the right to education.

    The Article also states that ‘education shall be directed to the full development of human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.’ Apart from the UDHR, the author also provides other provisions by international agencies like UNESCO that support the policies and process of education in Nigeria.

    She says there is a strong symbiotic relationship between education and politics with each influencing the other. Education, she notes is key to human capital development and any attempt to divorce politics from education will constitute a veritable uphill task concerning the depoliticisation of policy formation and implementation.   

    Chapters 3 and 4 focus on different stages of education policies development dating back to the pre-colonial period, the traditional form of education, advent of Arabic/Islamic education, introduction of Christian Missionary education, and the impact of the various stages on the system. While acknowledging the contributions of both Islamic and Christian missionaries, the author did not lose sight of the seeming gulf between the two. “The curriculum of Qur’anic education does not prepare the student for higher productivity in the existing economic system. Of course, this is unlike what indigenous African traditional education offered its clientele…The objectives of missionary educatio. n was to convert Africans to Christianity like Qur’anic education was to convert Africans to Islam. For all intents and purposes, the school is the church,” she puts it bluntly.

    According to Prof Adelabu, the Christian education system paved the way for Nigeria’s cultural, economic and political colonisation, adding that education per se was not the primary goal of the missionaries as it was auxiliary to it.  Citing I. Delano, she notes that there is a general feeling are that the ‘missionaries were the front of the government to soften the hearts of the people, while the people look at the cross, the white men look at the riches of the land’ 

    To the author, the colonial period added little or no value to the education system except that it designed an education system that kept Africans as second class citizens in their own lands. She quoted Lord Lugard as saying that Africans were primitive, and their education should be carefully designed to serve such special needs that would make them subservient to their European overlords.

    To accurately capture the political context of the various polies and development of education in Nigeria, she identifies in Chapter 5 factors that affect free education to include the followings; federalism, regionalism, ethnicity, domestic and international, domestic environment, social and demographic, politics, external environment constraints, patterns of influence from linkage with foreign states and multinational organisations.

    The 1955 Universal Primary Education launched by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Western Region, its adoption in 1979 by Unity party of Nigeria (UPN), the subsequent reviews and the policy making process form the thrust of Chapter 6. But in Chapter 7, Prof Adelabu provides profiles of some major actors of free education policies in Nigeria, which include Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Stephen Awokoya, Chief Michael Ajasin, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Olusegun Obasanjo. These personalities’ contributions, according to the author shaped and influenced the politics of education in Western region and Nigeria.

    Chapter 8 highlights the sources of funding and financing of the various educational policies starting from the missionaries during the colonial era and attempts by colonial government to assist some of the missions in their educational works.

    She appraises the various initiatives in the developmental process of the UP 1955, 1976 and 1999; thus offering a sequential account of the schemes. The commitment levels of each administration, region and federal in terms of yearly budgetary allocations are provided copiously. The author also highlights the role and impact of funding with the varying degrees of the educational goals intended as well as success recorded.  

    She, however, points out that the 1955 free education policy of the Western region was not really free in the true sense of the word because it was indirectly paid for. “To supplement the available resources, the regional government in January 1953 tabled the education and health levy before the Western House of Assembly. The levy is referred to as the capitation tax. This was because the regional economy was not buoyant enough to sustain the scheme. The levy was seven shillings six pence per adult male taxpayer,” she says of the UPE scheme.

    Beside few editing omissions like inconsistency in spelling of words like ‘programme/program, and the duplication of some sentences such as ‘It should be expected that states and regional rights and powers would be enhanced or diminished by the terms of association….,’  on Pages 70 and 72, the book is well written in simple, direct and easy to understand language. It is highly recommended for researchers, students and decision makers at all levels in government.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima is special guest of honour at the public presentation of the book today at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

  • Stakeholders synergise against drug abuse

    Stakeholders synergise against drug abuse

    • Zainab Olufemi

    Executive Director, International Society For Prevention of Substance Abuse and Crime (ISOPSAC), Olakunle Babalola, has said drug abuse can only be tackled when multi-disciplinary strategies are implemented. He urged parents to have knowledge of what their children are doing as they cannot help someone who they have no knowledge about.

    He spoke at a colloquium on the need to take action against drug abuse held recently at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos.

    Chairperson of ISOPSAC, Zainab Yusuf-Ogunlana described the  colloquium as a platform for confronting drug abuse head-on and devise innovative ways to protect young people and students from it.

    She stated that the goal is to develop comprehensive approaches to prevention, intervention, and safeguard youths from substance abuse.

    “Our youth are the future, and it is our duty to create safe environment. By protecting them from the twin threats of substance abuse and crime, we are investing in a prosperous future for all. This requires not only immediate action but also a long-term commitment to sustainable change,” she said.

    Associate Prof Digital and Media Literacy at the University of Lagos, Olunifesi Suraj, said Nigerians should challenge certain policies militating against achieving drug-free society.

    He blamed the surge in substance abuse on the media and peer influence, noting that the media, which is also the problem, can be a solution to the problem if properly harnessed.

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    Speaking on the solution, he said since there is a message in the media that drives this menace, there has to be a counter-message narrative to discourage youths from substance abuse.

    According to him, media is pivotal in changing the mindset of the people, adding that whoever owns media and controls the media, also controls the mind.

    Director of Narcotics and Controlled Substances, Yedunni Adenuga said reducing drug abuse is a community-based action that should be carried out in collaboration with local governments. She noted that no agency can curb drug abuse on its own, therefore, investing in education and prevention as well as sensitisation even in market places is essential.

  • Ekiti monarch honours Princess Sayo, husband

    Ekiti monarch honours Princess Sayo, husband

    MD/CEO of Saver Shopping Village Limited and the Iyalaje General of Ikere Kingdom, Princess Sayo Adenle and her husband Prince Ojo Adenle will be conferred with the title of Erelu and Mayegun of Aaye Kingdom in Ekiti this Saturday by the Alaaye of Aaye Ekiti, Oba Amos Adegboyega.  Venue is Methodist Primary School, Aaye Ekiti. It is part of activities marking Oba Adegboyega’s second anniversary of his coronation.

    The title is in appreciation of the couple’s contributions to the development of Ekiti State, especially the youth and women in agriculture.

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    In 2022, she was also conferred with the Iyalaje General of Ikere Kingdom, which symbolises her entrepreneurship.

    According to a statement, Princess Sayo Adenle is humbled by the honour bestowed on her and her husband.  It stated that the gesture is a further call to duty in serving Ekiti people more. “But again, what gives me joy is to touch lives particularly the women folks through empowerment and agriculture.  In a way, I have been enjoying doing those things that I have passion for. And I find fulfillment in them,” the statement added.  

  • Killing of twins story retold in fresh tongue

    Killing of twins story retold in fresh tongue

    In Nigeria before the turn of the century, giving birth to a twin was taboo. Any woman who gives such a birth knows the fate that awaits such conception. There was no debate or choice other than putting the twins to death or casting them into the ‘evil forest’. It was unthinkable that such comes naturally without some ominous message. This was the situation until the coming of the Scottish missionary and nurse Mary Slessor. It is to her credit today that the killing of twins or the sentencing of such to the ‘evil forest’ stopped in the southern part of the country during the colonial period.  

    The memory of this and how it was stopped is the kernel of the novel by Sunny Eze in his debut novel If the Rain Comes. In Umuaroko, twin birth is forbidden. Any such birth is doomed. The elders are called and action is taken to drive such ‘evil children’ away from the community and ‘cleanse’ it of all impurities. It does not take long for the unconventional to become a norm as long as it is acceptable to the community. This was the case of annihilating twins in Umuaroko.

    Countless numbers of them have been so treated and many women who perhaps have been unlucky to have given birth to serial twins have them disposed of because the community does not understand that such are blessings and not curses. That’s what ignorance causes. Getting rid of a twin is not an easy process as the community engages in rituals and cleansing procedures to purge the land. It is not a job for the fainthearted. They have to pass through dense forests, treacherous rivers and hills just to make sure they do what the leaders think is right for the community.

    It took the boldness and perhaps the selfishness of one of the leaders whose wife had given birth to male children and at the nadir of his life was in search of female children to challenge the idea of killing twins. His wife gives birth to a twin female. He does not want the fate that had befallen other women and their twins to happen to him at his old age. He challenged the idea. A crisis of confidence arises as to how to deal with the issue. What will the community do when one of its leaders has decided to challenge age-long tradition?

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    This pronouncement by Unachukwu, one of the clan leaders sealed the deal and put an end to this practice. He says, “As the head of this court, here is my take. Though it might not be convenient, we can, and we should borrow a leaf from Umudike, our neighbouring land.” He turned to the gathering. “My vote is ‘A chance’ for this boy. We can reconsider our stand on the killing of our twin babies. Unachukwu, your son will go home with you. He shall be free like every other child of Umuaroko. This is my take and I won’t say more”

    Thus, the old order changes with this simple verdict. The writer goes further to put the final words in the mouth of the community as Uduma said “There are things we can’t always explain.”

    This is true of life, there are many things we may not be able to explain or understand as human beings, either actions taken by individuals or those credited to the gods.

    “If you say so. But are you sure there is not more to this?” the elder asked and watched Uduma look away. Then he went on to make his summation: “When we tell this story to coming generations, we would point out that this day wasn’t just about the killing of twins, but more importantly, it was about how the interests of men in power had shaped this land for good and for bad.”

    In this novel, Eze has through intricate storytelling techniques brought a fresh angle to an age-long tradition and takes a critical look at it from a contemporary perspective to examine leadership and decision-making in the society. A metaphor of power and how those entrusted with it deploy it most times to please their private desires more than for the general good of those who bestowed it on them. It is a book readers would find interesting with its many twists and turns.

  • Paperworth Books Celebrates African Literature in London

    Paperworth Books Celebrates African Literature in London

    The Africa Centre in Southwark was abuzz with excitement on Sunday, July 28, 2024, as renowned authors Michael Afenfia and Chimeka Garricks captivated an enthusiastic audience during a special book reading event. Organised by Paperworth Books and hosted by Bukola Akinyemi, the event was a resounding success, drawing literature enthusiasts from across London.

    The occasion featured readings from Leave My Bones in Saskatoon by Michael Afenfia and Tomorrow Died Yesterday by Chimeka Garricks, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the authors and gain insights into their creative processes. Both authors also discussed their contributions to the anthology Covik One Nine, edited by Ibiso Graham-Douglas.

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    “We are thrilled with the turnout, the positive response from the audience, and the vibrant engagement,” said Ibiso Graham-Douglas, Founder and Publishing Director at Paperworth Books. “Events like these are vital for celebrating and promoting African literature on a global stage, and we are grateful to everyone who attended and supported this initiative.”

    The Africa Centre provided a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, perfectly complementing the engaging and thought-provoking readings. Attendees had the chance to meet the authors, purchase signed copies of their books, and enjoy a lively discussion about the themes and inspirations behind their works.